Social Security thoughts

There has been much discussion about the viability of our Social Security system. One question that continually comes to mind is the so-called S.S. Trust fund. This fund is filled to the brim with U.S. Treasury bonds redeemable when needed. My question is how can we redeem them for cash when the currency backing them has been spent by Congress?
The bonds are backed by the "full faith" etc of the U.S. government but where is the cash to accomplish this miracle? We certainly don't have enough gold reserves to back them. The cash must come from either the American public (increased taxes)or from the government printing presses (inflation). It would be useful if some knowledgeable economist could explain this process in terms that the average American can understand.
Too many people are taking the viability of S.S. as gospel faith, it ain't folks. The System is truly hurting and no one wants the medicine that is required. The mention of unredeemable Treasury bonds is a no-no in political circles. But then, we all should know that politicians are experts in running in circles.

New Jersey Elections

New Jersey is about to embark on a charade called primary elections. This process allows the "chosen ones" (by the party bosses) to stand for a beauty contest. The outcome of which will lead to the general election where New Jersey voters will chose the politico who offers the most promises. These promises, of course, will state that the other guy will have to pick up the bills for government services. The loser in all of this "process" is the poor slob who believes that getting the other guy to pay is what politics are all about. Unfortunately, the unwashed are getting taken to the cleaners because the real motivation in the state of New Jersey is to arrange sweetheart deals that enrich the pockets of the politically connected. Good government is a theoretical entity in New Jersey, the few practicioners that exist are swamped by the greedy and self-serving remainder.
Of course we have the self-funded (liberal-socialist) candidates who believe that government is the mother and father of all those who are of voting age.These politicians haven't looked over the horizon to see that the countries that practice liberalism are in deep do-do. Just examine France, Germany or the Scandinavian countries and see where their socialist governments have taken them. All play and little work makes for poverty folks. Or worst yet, a government overthrown by citizens seeking the ultimate government (read Santa Claus).